asked the Minister for Education whether he has yet considered the claims of pensioned teachers for increased pensions; and if so, if he will state the results of such consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Pensions.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the claims of retired national school teachers for increased pensions could not be considered alone and apart from similar claims by other classes of superannuated public servants. Any question of improving their position would, necessarily, depend on the Government deciding to review the question of pensions generally, and no such decision has been taken.
Will the Minister use his persuasive powers with the Government to induce them to increase the pensions of those to whom I have already referred — State servants who retired on inadequate pensions which were fixed before the war? These people are suffering very considerable hardship. The Minister must be aware that some hundreds of teachers who helped to build up this State are suffering hardship on inadequate pensions at present.